Keep the White on Your AFL Jersey White With These Care Tips

AFL jerseys are a great way to support your favourite team, and they are also comfortable and breathable, making them a great wardrobe choice for your next friendly game of football with friends.

However, if you wear your AFL jerseys while you play, they may become too stained. Luckily, keeping your AFL jersey clean is fairly easy. Here are some essential cleaning tips for primarily white jerseys.

1. Soak overnight

If you want your AFL jersey to retain its bright whiteness, plan to soak it overnight after wearing it. Soak it in a bucket, your utility sink or your washing machine. Use cool water, a spoonful of laundry detergent and about a quarter litre of baking soda.

The baking soda cuts odours and helps to keep the jersey white. If you can see discolouration, do not add bleach to your soaking sink.

2. Whiten without bleach

Whether you are scrubbing stains or just doing a routine soak, do not use bleach on your AFL jersey. Most jerseys are made of polyester that will break down when regular bleach is applied, but you can easily whiten these jerseys without threatening the integrity of their material. Just use an oxygen-based bleach or a whitening detergent that is safe for use on all colours. 

3. Review your stain removal strategies

If you are playing football in your AFL jersey, you should be prepared to deal with the most common stains. Here are a few tips to help you:

  • Blood: Blood is primarily protein, and if you apply heat, you essentially bake the protein to the AFL jersey. Instead, scrub under running cold water and then soak as usual.
  • Sweat: Yellow sweat stains can be treated with an oxygen-based bleach or one part hydrogen peroxide, one part water and one part baking soda. Caused by the aluminum compounds in deodorant, yellow stains can be avoided by changing to deodorant that doesn't have aluminum or by wearing an undershirt under the jersey.  
  • Grass: Soak the shirt, and then, apply oxygen-based bleach directly to the grass stain. Agitate until the stain is gone.

4. Air dry

If any stains aren't washed out after the washing process, they will be set permanently if you dry your jersey in the dryer. Instead, air dry it. This method protects your colours as well as the white on your jersey, and it also helps the fabric to last longer. To prevent fading, don't hang your jersey in direct sunlight.

For more tips or assistance, contact resources like Jerseys Megastore.


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